| Compact ARM9-based SBC gains enhanced graphics |
May 23, 2007
 Embedian has upgraded the graphics capabilities of its ARM9-based single-board computer (SBCs) family. The APC-711x SBCs, which are powered by Samsung's S3C2440A SoC (system-on-chip) and include support for Linux, now incorporate Silicon Motion's latest graphics chip, resulting in enhanced 2D and video acceleration performance, the company said.
(Click here for a larger image of the APC-711x SBC)
According to Embedian, the APC-711x SBCs "target fixed and mobile applications such as handheld mobile terminals, POS devices, kiosks, advertisement display, ATMs, vending machine, networking, gaming, security audio/video processing, and telematics applications."
The updated SBC series is offered in multiple variants, which differ according to component options such as memory and peripheral interfaces. All are based on Samsung's S3C2440A system-on-chip (SoC) processor, clocked at 400 MHz. Beginning with this new release, the SBCs utilize Silicon Motion's SM502 graphics processor, rather than the earlier SM501.
Other onboard features common to all APC-711x family members include 128MB SDRAM, 0.5MB of NOR flash ("for dual-BIOS support"), four USB 1.1 host ports, an RS-232 serial port, a 100 Mbps Ethernet interface, a CompactFlash socket (usable for memory and I/O expansion), and a touch-panel interface.
The APC-711x SBCs are implemented in the so-called "3.5-inch form-factor" originated by Advantech, and measure 4.0 x 5.7 inches (102 x 145 mm).
The boards are available with support for Linux 2.6.18 or Windows CE 6.0, according to Embedian. Additionally, the board's BIOS includes Denx's open source "U-boot" universal bootloader, Ethernet TFTP download, and booting-from-NAND flash features.
 Samsung S3C2440A SoC
The S3C2440A SoC, a 32-bit application processor based on an ARM920 core with Thumb extensions, targets handheld devices such as smartphones and PDAs, according to Samsung. The SoC also integrates 16KB each of instruction and data cache, 4KB RAM, a NAND flash boot loader, power management functions, an interrupt controller, and an external memory controller.
Silicon Motion SM502
Silicon Motion's SM502 graphics controller, part of the company's Mobile Graphics product line, is an enhanced version of the SM501. Relative to its predecessor, the SM502 boasts increased 2D and video acceleration performance, ultra low-power consumption, and support for resolutions up to 1280 x 1024, Embedian said. Other key features of the SM502 include support for multiple data stream capture, real-time display and color-space conversion capability, and a programmable panel clock (PCLK) that allows frequency customization in support of both standard and non-standard panel timings.
SM502 function diagram
(Click for slightly larger image)
Availability
The APC-711x series SBCs appear to be immediately available in several versions. The series is supported by a variety of development kits, which comprise a selected APC-711x SBC along with a choice of a 6.4-inch 640 x 480 LCD, 12-inch 800 x 600 LCD, or 15-inch 1024 x 768 LCD, plus an LCD backlight inverter board, power adapter, cables, sample application code, and documentation.
Pricing was not disclosed.
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